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I  See the Light

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Obi-Wan and Cori'iana came to a stop in the grass clearing that seemed to be sectioned off for the new queen and former monarchs. The wind blew gently, causing Obi-Wan to catch the faint scent of lilacs coming from Cori'iana. He cleared his throat, startling Cori'iana who glanced at him curiously.

"Tickle in my throat," Obi-Wan responded with a soft smile, despite a glance from the former queen telling him that she didn't quite believe him.

"You'll stay here," Cori'iana told him. Her words weren't posed as a question - they were stated as an order. Having spent time with Obi-Wan before, she knew he didn't defy orders lightly.

Obi-Wan nodded his head, which made Cori'iana smile gently. She gently brushed her hand against his arm before she walked away from him, toward the other monarchs. When she was no more than ten steps away from him, she turned to look over her shoulder to make sure he was still there. Obi-Wan arched a brow at her - as if he were questioning why she didn't trust his word. But it wasn't that she didn't trust him. In her experience, people always seemed to leave, even if she had ordered otherwise.

Cori'iana walked about a dozen more steps before looking back once more. This time Obi-Wan stood there with his arched brow and his arms folded across his chest. She couldn't help but giggle at his expression, which softened his into a grin. Cori'iana's heart seemed to do a small flip at his smile which was directed at her before she turned and continued her trek.

Dordirri'ih was the first of the former monarchs Cori'iana spotted. Although with her skirts being at least twice that of anyone else, she wasn't hard to miss. Cori'iana was quite thankful she had chosen a much more sensible outfit because her grandmother was directing her handmaidens on how to remove the foliage caught in her train.

Knowing that tradition dictated the order and wanting to stay as far away from her grandmother's demands as possible, Cori'iana stood beside her predecessor and former Naboo monarch Réillata. Her predecessor offered Cori'iana a smile and reached out her hand to draw her closer. "Almost done," Réillata whispered.

"Does it get easier?" Cori'iana asked, unable to release the tension in her shoulders.

"I'll let you know when I find out," Réillata responded as she squeezed Cori'iana's hand.

Cori'iana sighed. "That's not very reassuring."

Réillata chuckled. "I love my life outside politics and the monarchy, but I find myself feeling a bit restless. Perhaps it will pass. Maybe the pomp and circumstance of a new monarch are causing it and things will settle back into a normal rhythm soon enough."

"I very much enjoyed your performance," Cori'iana whispered, not wanting to reveal Réillata's post-monarch identity to any eavesdroppers. Her predecessor had chosen a career as an opera singer and Cori'iana had attended a show dressed as a handmaiden. Winni had been her decoy that night.

"The flowers you sent were beautiful." Of course, Réillata had already sent her a thank-you note saying as much, but Cori'iana flashed her a small smile.

Senator Palpatine called for the former monarchs to gather as he instructed them on what they were to do. Since her role was now former monarch, Cori'iana chose to not listen to him. She already knew what was to happen. Queen Amidala would lift her lantern into the sky first. Then the former monarchs would follow one by one in succession from the most recent to the royalty of old.

Although it churned her stomach to see how closely Palpatine hovered over Queen Amidala. He likely thought the new queen was very easy to manipulate. Cori'iana knew she had been the same naive girl when she was first crowned, albeit with her grandmother also trying to manipulate her. She hoped that Padme would be able to think for herself more often than Cori'iana herself had been able to.

Cori'iana grabbed the lantern that represented her reign. It was purple with the Sanandrassa family crest on it in gold. She then glanced over her shoulder to where she had left Obi-Wan. He still stood where she left him with his arms folded across his chest. Her face flushed to find that his gaze was on her. She was very thankful that she still wore her mask.

"Grab a lantern," she mouthed to him, willing her flushed face to cool.

He arched his brow.

She gave him a knowing glance which made him sigh before he turned to find the basket of lanterns placed closest to him. Cori'iana couldn't help but grin at her victory. Master Windu watching them from afar didn't even put a dent in her happiness.

Senator Palpatine called for the former monarchs to take their places along the shore. He didn't have to inform Queen Amidala because he had already placed her in position, much like he had done with Cori'iana the night of her lantern ceremony. While the sight was breathtaking, she had always wanted to be someone watching from a boat on the water below the falls. Maybe one day - but she'd likely need to use a decoy to fill in her position up here.

Queen Amidala turned to address the people and the crowd began to quiet. "Tonight we will light the dark sky of life with the bright lanterns of the hope of Naboo." With that, the new queen took her lantern from Senator Palpatine and released it into the sky.

Cori'iana watched the queen's lantern rise for a few moments before she stepped forward with her lantern. Her mind turned to the symbolism her lantern represented - that she would follow her new queen with hope even through the darkness. While the symbolism was meant for the people and those who might choose to lead factions, Cori'iana felt a weight release from her shoulders. Her people now knew her intentions. To follow.

As Réillata stepped forward to release her lantern, Cori'iana walked back to where Obi-Wan stood waiting, holding onto a lantern of his own. The breeze made her shiver slightly as she held her skirts while she walked.

"Well done," Obi-Wan told her.

"It wasn't as if the job was difficult," Cori'iana scoffed only loud enough for him to hear. "Although my grandmother will make it appear like it is."

Obi-Wan tried not to smile, but he couldn't hide the mirth in his eyes. Dordirri'ih was nothing if not dramatic. He was glad Cori'iana could see the humor in the situation although he still worried about her.

When the last of the former monarchs had lifted their lanterns into the night sky, a horn blew in the distance to signify that it was now time for the people of Naboo to release their lanterns.

Lanterns began to stream into the sky. Obi-Wan still held onto his. Without saying anything, Cori'iana stepped closer toward him to help him. Her bare arms brushed against the sleeve of his cloak, which made her shiver once more. He glanced over at her and smiled. Together, they lifted the lantern into the sky and watched the trail of lanterns over the falls begin to rise and meet the ones lifted from the boats below the falls.

The sight was truly breathtaking.

"Don't look behind you. Master Windu is right behind us," Obi-Wan whispered into Cori'iana's ear. His warm breath tickled her skin. She was almost sad when he pulled away to stand upright once more.

Cori'iana looked over her shoulder. Sure enough, there stood the rather stern-looking Jedi Master with his arms folded across his chest. Did the man ever smile?

Obi-Wan groaned and nudged her with his elbow, "I just said not to look."

She turned to look at Obi-Wan with a grin, which earned her an exasperated sigh from him. It was quite enjoyable to get such a reaction from him. He was one of the few people she knew who understood her teasing nature and knew it wasn't just her being impertinent.

"To think I thought we left the purposely annoying me thing behind us," Obi-Wan muttered loud enough for her to hear, so she knew he was teasing her.

Cori'iana arched her brow. "Come now," she asserted. "You're the only one with whom I'm allowed to get away with it. Could you really see me getting away with this with my grandmother?"

It was clear he was trying not to laugh at the ridiculous idea. He rubbed his lips with his hand and then moved his arms across his chest, tightening his lips. Obi-Wan was attempting to focus on the lanterns in the sky.

Cori'iana shivered. Perhaps a sleeveless dress hadn't been her best decision. Obi-Wan must have sensed her discomfort because he instinctively wrapped an arm around her. She leaned into him for warmth and couldn't help but glance at Master Windu.

"It seems no good deed goes unpunished," she whispered before she snuggled in closer. With her head pressed near his chest, she could hear and feel him sigh beneath her.

"You're going to get me in trouble." His words weren't spoken with malice, they were more matter-of-fact, but with a hint of not truly caring if they led to trouble.

"That's the fun, isn't it?" Cori'iana gently tugged at his padawan braid and grinned up at him. "Besides, from what you've told me, you've gotten yourself into plenty of trouble on your own before."

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes and softly batted her hand away from his hair. He was trying to remain stoic, but Cori'iana could tell that he was intrigued by her plan. It was in his eyes. They spoke volumes to her. "I promise not to compromise your Jedi virtue, Padawan Kenobi," she teased, holding up her littlest finger toward Obi-Wan for him to take.

He looked at her pointedly which made her giggle. It was clear that Obi-Wan was trying very hard not to let any indication of amusement pass his lips, but he was on the verge of breaking. With a glance toward Master Windu, he then clasped Cori'iana's little finger with his own.

Seeing him willing to bend the rules a bit for her made her heart soar. Cori'iana then looped her arm through his and looked over her shoulder to see if Master Windu was watching them. He was. She smiled at him before dragging Obi-Wan with her. Although, it wasn't quite so much dragging as he willingly walked away with her.

"I can see now why Master Windu thinks you're a terrible influence on me," Obi-Wan told her with a laugh. She knew he was teasing her, so she stuck her tongue out at him which only made him laugh harder. He had such a beautiful laugh. It seemed a shame to be lost on a Jedi.

"I do believe that would be your fault. Must've put my pieces back together wrong after . . ."

He sighed, and answered for her, "Your parents."

They stopped walking immediately. It felt like the wind had been knocked from her. She feebly attempted to pull her hand from his arm, but he wouldn't let her pull away, sensing that he was all that kept her standing. Cori'iana turned her head away so that Obi-Wan couldn't see her face. But that didn't stop him from sensing the sadness that had overcome their so far jovial interaction.

She didn't understand why she still reacted so strongly at their mention. Surely enough time had passed.

"I'm sure they would have been very proud of you today," Obi-Wan said softly. With his free hand, he gently rubbed the hand Cori'iana still had wrapped around his arm. He wanted nothing more than to gather her close and somehow give her some sort of comfort. He wished she didn't always have to be so strong. "I know I was," he muttered so softly that Cori'iana couldn't hear him.

Cori'iana sniffed away the sadness and turned to look at him, her eyes shining - holding back tears. "Would you come with me to visit them?"

Her request of him was so innocent and non-threatening, that Obi-Wan knew that he couldn't refuse her. Then again, there wasn't much Obi-Wan Kenobi would refuse Cori'iana Sanandrassa if she asked it of him. Not that he had ever told her such.

Side by side, they walked through the deserted streets. All the citizens of Naboo were presently watching the lanterns and celebrating. Celebrations would continue until the break of dawn, but Cori'iana wasn't interested in celebrating that long. She would much rather spend as much time with Obi-Wan as possible.

They came to a stop at a fountain in the middle of a rebuilt square. Cori'iana's breath hitched. Obi-Wan reached out and rested his hand on her upper back. This was where it had happened. It was where her parents and two of her guards had lost their lives. What happened at this place was what had caused her to need protection from Obi-Wan.

Cori'iana closed her eyes and the scene seemed to replay itself in her head.

Zaela and Tiiona were escorting her parents through the streets of Naboo to meet her for lunch. She had been dressed as one of her handmaidens, with Winni playing queen a few streets over. But someone knew the truth. Someone had betrayed her.

They had almost made it to the restaurant when out of nowhere an explosion rocked the streets sending debris flying everywhere and people screaming. Cori'iana's first instinct had been to run for her parents, but Scerra and Jysyal - who had been dressed as commoners, pulled her away from the commotion. Cori'iana had looked over her shoulder to see her parents lying there lifeless and bloodied. She had screamed and begged Scerra and Jysyal to turn back, but it was their job to get her - Naboo's Queen - to safety.

That had been her last glimpse of her parents. She hadn't even been allowed to attend their funerals. By then Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon had whisked her away. Tears began to cascade down her cheeks as she slowly approached the fountain. Her fingers lithely traced the inscription: . . . lost, but never forgotten.

Cori'iana fell to her knees before pulling the mask from her face. She wanted to be with her parents as their daughter, not their queen. Overcome by uncontrollable sobs, Cori'iana buried her head in her arms which rested at the fountain's edge.

Obi-Wan let her cry. He knew that she needed it. The past two years had quite an emotional toll on her. But he also knew that the last thing she needed was her true identity revealed. So, he removed his cloak and draped it over her. This way if someone saw her, they wouldn't see her dressed in her royal garb, but a simple cloak and they would think nothing of the scene. He sat down on the edge of the fountain beside where she cried. He didn't say anything and sat there until she had cried herself out.

When she was done, she sat upright and looked up at him from her place on the ground. She sniffled. "I must look terrible."

"Never," Obi-Wan said with a gentle smile. Sure her makeup might have mingled with her tears, but she always looked beautiful to him.

"Liar," Cori'iana scoffed and lifting herself over the fountain, Obi-Wan's cloak slipped from her shoulders to the ground. She splashed her face with some water before attempting to look at her reflection once the water had stilled. Cori'iana then reached for her mask, but Obi-Wan's hand reached out and grabbed hers.

"Don't," he told her gently. "Put the cloak back on. You'll be more comfortable that way."

Cori'iana looked at Obi-Wan and saw his face matched his words. She didn't need to ask if he was sure. She could see it on his face. So, she picked the cloak back up and put it on, making sure to slip the hood up.

"I'm sorry about that," Cori'iana whispered.

"You have nothing to apologize for," Obi-Wan offered. He reached out his hand to touch her, but then lamely withdrew it. After clearing his throat he reached into a pouch on his belt and pulled out an even smaller pouch which he pressed into Cori'iana's hand.

Cori'iana looked up at him curiously. "What is this?"

"It's called a gift," Obi-Wan teased.

"I know what a gift it is," Cori'iana retorted.

"Then you should know what to do with it." His eyes glinted with mirth.

Muttering to herself, Cori'iana opened the small glittery pouch and poured the contents into her hand. It was a silver bracelet with two star charms which appeared to be some sort of crystal. "It's beautiful."

"I wasn't sure what to get a queen who has everything available at her disposal."

"Almost everything," Cori'iana whispered, looking at the crystals. She couldn't bring herself to ask if they were what she thought they were. Because if they were - it was too much. And if they weren't, she didn't want to look foolish for expecting it.

Obi-Wan cleared his throat before he picked the bracelet out of Cori'iana's hand and dangled it in front of her face. "Like the stars, even when we may not be able to be together - but we will always remain connected."

Cori'iana understood the meaning behind his words. Tears glistened in her eyes as she allowed him to clasp the bracelet around her wrist. She wished she had the right words to say. The words to ask him to stay with her. The words to tell him that she had more than just feelings of friendship for him. But those were words she hadn't even fully processed herself, how could she bring herself to say them to him?

Just then, a rustle came from the shrubbery, interrupting their moment. Obi-Wan offered Cori'iana a hand to help her to her feet before they both went to investigate the noise. He made sure to keep Cori'iana behind him with one of his arms out in front of her. His other hand was ready to grab his lightsaber.

They paused to listen. But there was no more rustling. Obi-Wan took a few more steps forward and furrowed his brow.

Cori'iana sensed that something was off too. "What is it?"

"I'm not sure," he told her.

"It doesn't feel right, does it?"

"No." He wanted to add I suspect you sense it too - but it hardly seemed like the appropriate time to broach such a subject with her. Not that there ever was a time to do so - or that they'd ever have another moment for such a discussion. But he knew that now wasn't the time.

The sound of footsteps across cobblestones came from below them. Then a dark laugh echoed, which Cori'iana recognized. She pushed past Obi-Wan until she came to a marble railing covered by shadows.

"You should have stayed behind me," Obi-Wan whispered once he reached her.

Cori'iana rolled her eyes at his over-protectiveness. "I recognized the laugh. It's Kodo's."

"Still."

"Still nothing. He's been sneaking out at night and I want to know what he's up to. Besides, you wouldn't let anything happen to me."

Obi-Wan wasn't sure whether to be honored or worried about her blind faith in him. But he looked over Cori'iana's shoulder down below to where Kodo, stood as a shadowed figure approached. He didn't trust Kodo. When Cori'iana had been under his protection, he had suspected Kodo was up to something; but Qui-Gon hadn't sensed what he had.

The shadowed figure removed his dark hood as he stepped into the light. It was Taar Rammingonn. Cori'iana recognized him from school, but she was shocked when he embraced her cousin and went in for a kiss. Kodo then pressed Taar against the wall as they continued to kiss. Although it was much more sensual than a simple kiss - their tongues were likely down the other's throat.

"I knew it!" Cori'iana whispered with a grin on her face. "I knew he was seeing someone!"

Obi-Wan frowned.

Cori'iana arched a brow. "Don't approve?"

"It's not that. Kodo has the right to love whomever or whatever he wants. Everyone does." But himself and Cori'iana - he couldn't bring himself to add that though.

She knew he was holding back. "But?"

He looked like he wanted to say more. It was obvious he suspected more. He opened his mouth to say something, then seemed to think better of it. Cori'iana nudged him, so he finally responded. "But Master Windu will be expecting me. So we ought to get you returned."

Cori'iana sighed. He was right. Obi-Wan offered Cori'iana his arm, which she accepted. Neither said a word as they meandered their way through the empty streets of Naboo. They weren't sure what to say to the other, for they couldn't bring themselves to say the words that they shouldn't.

They came to a stop outside the door where Cori'iana would be spending the rest of her night. Two guards from her former protection unit were posted outside.

"I suppose this is goodbye, then," Cori'iana whispered, turning toward Obi-Wan and taking both his hands in hers.

"It is," Obi-Wan whispered back.

Cori'iana moved to remove his cloak, but he stopped her.

"Keep it," he said rather gruffly as he pulled the cloak back over her, adjusting the hood longer than was necessary.

Reaching up, Cori'iana pulled one of the purple butterfly clips from her hair and pressed it into his hand. She smiled softly, not wanting to cry at what could be the last time she ever saw him. While she might not be able to tell him that he had her heart, this would have to do. Cori'iana then reached up and gently pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"May the force be with you," she breathed barely above a whisper.

"And with you," he whispered back, tickling her ear with the warmth of his breath.

Cori'iana then turned and walked up the stairs to the door. She couldn't bring herself to look back at him. Not without revealing the fresh tears that were misting her eyes. While it wasn't likely - she had hope that this would not be the last of her adventure with Obi-Wan Kenobi.

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Author's Note: A HUGE THANK YOU to those who commented on the last chapter!

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